Jermaine Jenas breaks silence after shock axe from The One Show for 'inappropriate behaviour'
Jermaine Jenas found himself suddenly at the helm of talkSPORT's Thursday evening show, just as the shock news broke that he had been axed and was "no longer" part of the line-up on The One Show.
The BBC released a short but very clear statement about the 41-year-old former footballer, which said: "We can confirm that he is no longer part of our presenting line-up." It is understood the channel took the strong action to sack the former host after reported complaints over behaviour.
Shorltly after the news broke, the ex-Tottenham and Newcastle United player appeared as a surprise presenter on talkSPORT's Drive Programme, alongside Jermaine Pennant. Filling in for Andy Goldstein, Jermaine confessed at the show's start: "We're here aren't we? They have chucked me right into the hot seat."
READ MORE:Jermaine Jenas starts 'new job' within minutes of BBC confirming The One Show sacking
READ MORE:Jermaine Jenas axed from The One Show over 'inappropriate behaviour'
His former football colleague Darren Belt, who was also present, light-heartedly remarked on the challenge of presenting, prompting Jermaine to joke, "I've known you (Bent) since I was seven years old and you have never made my life easy."
Jermaine Pennant, another footballer-turned-broadcaster, was with Jermaine in the studio, but they chose to steer clear of the BBC developments, focusing instead on football chat, with Chelsea dominating the conversation early on.
Jermaine, who first presented The One Show in 2020 and was last seen up in the line-up on July 22,, was also once a favourite to take over Match of the Day hosting duties from Gary Lineker.
Earlier in the year, speaking to the Daily Mail about the potential role, Jermaine shared: "I would obviously be up for it... it's Match of the Day and it would be a great opportunity."
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He added, "I haven't thought that far ahead but I hosted Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night, which was the first one I've ever done. I loved it, it felt comfortable to me, it felt normal, and I love doing The One Show as well."
Jermaine went on to express his gratitude for the confidence instilled in him, adding: "I feel quite blessed that I'm even in people's minds that it's something I could take on given how big the show actually is."
Looking to the future, he said, "Gary has got plenty of legs in him and I don't see him going anywhere soon but when that day comes which it will do, I would like to think that I am at least thought about to fill the position. If that is the case then I would obviously jump at it."
